(L to R): Garner Firefighters Association President Brad Upmeyer accepts a donation from NEW Cooperative Garner Location Manager Jacob Pilgrim that will update bunker gear and boots for the department.

The Garner Firefighter’s Association (GFA) recently received a contribution from the NEW Cooperative Foundation totaling $3,000. The funds will be used to update bunker gear and firefighting boots for the Garner Fire Department (GFD).

The GFA is a non-profit organization made up of all active GFD members and assists in providing funds to purchase new equipment and gear for the department.

“We are working to buy five sets of bunker gear, which are the coats and pants our members wear when on a call, plus 15 sets of boots,” said Brad Upmeyer, president of the GFA. “The total cost of this project is over $17,000. Bunker gear has a 10-year life cycle, which means departments like ours frequently need to update its gear. We really appreciate NEW Cooperative’s support of our fundraising efforts.”

“NEW Cooperative is happy to help with this fundraiser,” stated NEW Cooperative Foundation Director, Gary Moritz. “With our involvement, the Garner Fire Department will not only be able to update boots and bunker gear, but this will free up other department funds for more needed equipment upgrades.”

About NEW Cooperative, Inc. and the NEW Cooperative Foundation 

NEW Cooperative, Inc. is a farmer-owned grain, agronomy, energy and feed cooperative headquartered in Fort Dodge, Iowa. As a leading agriculture retailer, NEW Cooperative is focused on being an innovative and efficient provider of today’s agriculture markets and services to 8,000 members throughout their 60 locations in Iowa.

The NEW Cooperative Foundation is the charitable giving entity of NEW Cooperative, Inc. The Foundation is committed to investing in organizations that are dedicated to youth and education, human services, and civic purposes that further enhance the quality of life in our member’s local communities.